Mom died at home of cancer, and Dad from a brain tumour, while in Long-Term Care. Part memoir, part research, the book includes coping strategies, and information I discovered about the health care system. Living and Dying With Dignity covers what happens after the diagnosis. Many have written success stories, but how do you cope when cancer or a brain tumour returns, especially as a caregiver? What are your rights?

Sunday, February 11, 2007

Brain Tumour Symptoms

Intracranial Pressure: SymptomsThe CCS research had told me that one result of the brain tumour was intercranial pressure (ICP). These were the symptoms of this. I know that dad had shown these symptoms over the course of the past eleven months, since his tumour was rediagnosed.1. Headache – often occurring early in the morning and made worse by coughing, bending or straining2. Nausea3. Vomiting4. Dizziness5. Vision problems6. Difficulty speaking7. Confusion8. Restlessness9. Drowsiness and decreased consciousness10. Trouble with coordination11. Loss of muscle strength12. Loss of the ability to move a body part (paralysis)13. Seizure14. Coma

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CBC Radio: White Coat, Black Art

I cannot provide specific health information, but I have made presentations to Ontario's LTC Family Councils, NSM Palliative Care Conference, caregiver support groups.

My book has been donated to various libraries across the province.

Living and Dying with Dignity.--a daughter/caregiver's point of view. My mother's cancer (leukoplakia), dad's brain tumour and subsequent dementia changed my life. The book includes information, research, as well as coping strategies from real-life experiences.

Book Content

Endorsements and Buzz

"I have just finished reading Living & Dying with Dignity. I wanted to touch base with you & thank you for this book. I think it was time someone wrote an honest, heartfelt experience on this subject. I worked in LTC for many years, until 2 years ago at a LTC facility as a HCA/PSW. My experience & what your experience was with your Dad really hit home. The “burnout” for me started shortly after my Mom passed away in a Palliative setting in a hospital in Strathroy…………………it was not really a good experience ."

"Life lessons and individual work-life experience as well as the experiences of others in caring for those who are dying ar an enhancement to the skills that staff have acquired through education training. Your book will be a valuable resource for staff and family members who provide care to patients within our hospital for many years to come."
SMMH
"Enclosed is a cheque for the book 'Living & Dying With Dignity.' I have enjoyed it very much, thank you for your kind words. It was really interesting reading it from the families point of view. Some valuable lessons are included in the book and the difficulties of the health care system. Thank you for caring enough to put it in print.All the best in 2009."
Gay Pengilly RN
General Manager: Gravenhurst Manor"I think your book will be useful for our various College and University programs dealing with healthissues, aging and family.First hand accounts, such as yours, offer researchers the qualitative information that is valuable toa study - not to diminish the personal experience - but it also has research value."
Lynne Prunskus BA, MA, MLS
Associate Director, Library Services
Nipissing University
Live-in Care.org has a feature on my book

Jilks' blog has good general health care information. She wrote a book which I reviewed on this site titled Living and Dying with Dignity. ...

Book Donations

We have donated books to various groups: local small libraries, hospice organizations, and well as door prizes for various cancer and palliative care groups.
Jennifer donated a copy to Sandra Winspear (ED), as well as local libraries, Muskoka Victim Services, Long-Term Care & Retirement homes.
Contact me for information.